How to Play Bass with a Drummer (Foolproof Beginner Blueprint)

[@BassBuzz]

What helps you groove with your drummer the most?

[@stefaneduard8169]

I listen to both rythm guitar and the drums

[@RetJim]

Actually having a drummer 😭😭😭

[@Zigger27]

Good eye contact. And that mutual smile once you're locked in to each other

[@casenbledsoe6674]

BassBuzz i play in a punk band and the thing that helps the most to help groove with my drummer is to just feel the music, feel the beat just everything in between it helps a lot to be in the mood for the music

[@antoniosization]

dude, you uploaded this vid 6 hours ago, but this comment is from 2 days ago, what????

[@Zigger27]

A basic rules of thumb is recently learned: hit the note on the kickdrum and mute it when the snare hits. It makes a simple bass line suddenly sound more pro

[@BassBuzz]

Yes, cutting off when the snare hits is a really useful tool! Not a 100% thing (just like sticking with the kick), but I often do that when I want something to sound "tighter."

[@HappySmilyGuy]

Back in the day, that realisation was a massive game change for me. Then actually doing it was a challenge depending on how consistent the drummer was with their kick patterns :P

[@aprilkurtz1589]

@@BassBuzz It also is good practice for learning syncopation. Sometimes you may be playing a 16th note pattern and there will be a 16th rest(I hate that), and you HAVE to kill the note right before the rest, or nobody will hear the "hole" in the pattern. You mentioned that bass players usually follow the kick drum. If your drummer's name is Keith Moon, whose drumming usually followed the vocals, your name better be John Entwistle, the timekeeper. While showing the pentatonic who the boss of it is at the same time, among other things. I don't know if young people even know who the Who was, but they're a great study in how to make chaos work on stage.

[@SwaybackJack]

After 20 years I switched from guitar to bass. The bass instantly felt "right" for me but I could tell I was picking up some bad habits. I binge-watched your videos and thank you for the solid foundation. Immensely helpful channel.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you, glad the videos are helping you make the transition to the low end. 👍

[@garthwick19]

I'm you..but now, not three years ago

[@SilentGlaceon94]

One reason I want to learn how to play bass is so that I can jam with my older brother (The drummer of the family) whenever he practices so I can get used to playing with someone on bass (I can play clarinet in a typical concert band setting, but I have a hard time with an improv group as I always default to songs I already know). These videos are very insightful!

[@BassBuzz]

That's great you have someone to jam with!

[@sushi_bae_]

Keeping good eye contact with my drummer helps us stay together really well. its so simple, but helpful beyond belief!

[@BassBuzz]

Totally! As long as it's not the stink eye. :)

[@MaverickMoore]

That Mac / Charlie stare!

[@brrosskiee]

bass + drums = best friends

[@kevinturvey8213]

it's always very useful for the bass player to actually look at the drummer while they're playing - even out of the corner of your eye. you can pick up lots of valuable timing information ( i.e. that will help you play your bass in time with the drums) from seeing the drummer's arms moving - that's why orchestras have conductors waving a baton!

[@BassBuzz]

Totally agree Kevin! I love a drummer who actually looks up from their instrument/sheet music to see if I'm giving them a stank face or not. :P

[@yemoochy9553]

I actually like that 2nd one sounds kind of funky

[@tonymoran9794]

Agreed, version 1 might make a great solo in that song

[@tjadventures]

I like the second version of your example more. I think that not playing on each drum beat makes it sound more like the two instruments are completing each other while playing at the same time makes me feel like they are playing over each other. Truthfully, for me, seeing the other players, including the drummer, play with a lot of passion and enthusiasm makes me want to play better and in such a way that the whole package sounds better.

[@brianstrom6649]

Coming from a bassist of more years than I care to mention, great lesson. Wish you tube was around when I started playing. Your advice is spot on for someone starting out, and I know a couple of "veterans" that could stand to watch this too!

[@chasbodaniels1744]

This guy is terrific... I agree.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Brian and Chasbo!

[@mlaket]

hey, can you do a video about bass pedals

[@yaninaayalaherrera8956]

Yup!: form a good bond with your drummer, flow together, listen to.each other and look at each other until you are one. But PLEASE FOR.THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING THAT'S HOLY DON'T DATE THE DRUMMER. IT'S A TRAP! it never ends well..... I learnt it the hard way ...many times 🤣 Seriously though... don't 🚫❤🥁 🤣

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Ok, check, think I’ve got it. Don’t date the drummer. Do not date the drummer. Under no circumstances should I date the drummer.

[@gohjohan]

Yeah, Gwen Stefani can attest to that, even though she's not the bass player in the band.

[@ninaaanestad7198]

ohno

[@UkeofCarl]

I can do that.

[@aly9402]

@@gohjohan I don't get it. Gwen Stefani dated Tony Kanal, the bass player.

[@jolt06]

I have to make sure my drummer does not drink mountain dew or he will always speed the beat up when he does.

[@BassBuzz]

HA

[@PetePaulIII]

Now just imagine MD is yayo... SPEED METAL!!!

[@DJ2109]

stop 💀

[@JessicaMorgani]

I like sitting closer to my drummer, it's something that really helps in a show

[@blindguymcsqueezy50]

I’m not even a beginner but i can appreciate how important these videos are for those starting out. Wish your channel existed in 2010

[@statlalinden662]

Exactly

[@bobnail9352]

just a newbie on bass playing with lead and rhythm guitarists who have been a duo for some 40 years - you explain it so well - thanks - Having no drummer makes my Bass stand out .... so I am taking it slow and careful - thanks!

[@BassBuzz]

Welcome to the bass family Bob!

[@cmswrD]

Super helpful video, man! I'm a drummer but I love learning about bass cause having the bass and drums lock in is so important! Whenever my bass player plays a certain bass line I pretty much reverse this process and play the kick drum according to whatever notes he plays.

[@dwightdawson3578]

Keegan Dunphy at least someone else knows how it works. I feel sorry for any newbies who learned what was said in the video. I have walked away from potential paying gigs if I have to listen to a drummer tell me to follow him. Not listening to any more of these BS lessons.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Keegan! Thanks for being the kind of drummer that actually listens. :)

[@user-vv7ns7ur5g]

I’ve been playing the drums for a couple months now. I recently started learning the bass and I’m so glad videos like this exist to help my musical foundation:)

[@leaf364l5]

0:06 the beginning part perfectly described my first experience to play with drums. Like thundering😂😂😂

[@Zeitgeist64]

Holly Molly, best bass teacher on KZbin. Thanks man. Im playing bass for almost 5 years, by Your video's i learn a lot new interesting things. Keep them coming man :)

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you, glad the videos are helpful!

[@markbass354]

drum Josh looks a lot like bass Josh

[@BassBuzz]

Hmm, and they've never been seen together in the same room... something fishy is going on here.

[@Rodessenth]

Almost like they are the same person. *suspicion intensifies*

[@markbass354]

HI ​ Rodessenth

[@jvdubzzz]

Thought it was just me

[@sivadmg]

I started playing bass to learn this lesson. After 3 yrs I'm not going to quit now.

[@ihavenolife4642]

as a drummer trying to learn the bass so that i can make some music on my own, this is incredibly helpful

[@DakotaDeaton]

As a drummer, when we’re on the toms is a great place put fills. if you want an example of “Sticking with the kick“, listen to the intro of Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne.

[@ajdayton101]

Regardless of what you are playing, staying in time will have people taking notice. Based on what I've learned from Josh and others, and practicing basic rhythms to drum tracks I get lots of compliments on my timing and ability to keep the grove even when there is a mistake by myself or the guitar player.

[@BassBuzz]

Totally John! Groove is always priority #1.

[@hilbillyshack]

Exactly I’m an extremely average player, But I get compliments in my playing mainly because I think my timing is pretty good. I’m always amazed at how many players of a higher level don’t keep good consistent time. Is a skill worth working on.

[@Julioc96]

Great advice for beginners. Bass and drums have a close relationship. I think both, drums and bass players can benefit a lot from knowing a little bit of the other instrument.

[@BassBuzz]

Agree Julio!

[@edhsiu]

Man, I picked up a bass during this Covid SIP, and I've binge watched all your videos. Awesome instruction! I should have skipped the Fender play account I signed up for, ugh!

[@SteveWeltman]

Super simple strategy to stay in the pocket with the drummer. And the video was frickin hilarious again! Stop making me laugh so hard… I’m tryin to learn over here. 😳🤣🤣

[@johnquintmatt1986]

Josh, you’re the man. wish i could get one on one instruction from you! i got money and i got the time! Bass forever.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks John! My time is stretched pretty thin, but shoot me an email, maybe we can work something out.

[@KBums]

Nice dude. I play in a band and I feel it's very important for the bass player (me) and the drummer to keep in rhythm with each other.

[@derekdauchan2741]

You're a great educator Josh . Thank you so much man .

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you Derek!

[@stefanbandas2157]

Was super amped to see Phil Lesh at the end, Josh. Thanks for what you do.

[@doxx2427]

Excellent content even for non-beginners. If I could subscribe twice I would. You just entered my top 3 bass teachers online. Mark from Talking Bass Scott Devine And now you! Great work. I can't wait for intermediate stuff.

[@AgilDogsVideo]

My favorites are Mark and Josh. Scott rambles too much, lol.

[@doxx2427]

@@AgilDogsVideo Yea, I know he takes a while to get to the point sometimes, I guess that's his personality. I was a member of SBL and I leaned ALOT from him. I like Mark and Josh's teaching style, very thoughtful. They both take every possible obstacle into consideration and address it in a systematic manner. I wish when I was just starting to play bass I had either of them as my personal tutor. I probably would be better than victor Wooten by now🤷🏾‍♂️... (or maybe not🤦🏾‍♂️)

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Rashy, I appreciate that!

[@fattypookums]

You should definitely check out Anthony Muthurajah, he’s got some really informative videos on the more technical side of bass playing

[@Dumbnickname]

I always jam with drummers, I'm no longer stressed of jamming. You know, jams often works like that. A guy playing alone, another musicians arrives, we start to jam since we know the same song, a random drummer arrives and play not exactly the right beat but it works. I always get amaze by the fact that I have to be super attentive to the bass when I play drums but it's the opposite when I play bass. Oh yeah and drum Joshs the most accurate drummer of all times, my drummers are all like this XD

[@identifikator4]

Bro your videos are so helpful and intresting please keep it coming you are helping me alot

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Michael, will do!

[@km6348]

Literally just played with a drummer a few days ago and this vid pops up, nice

[@johnnovotny52]

Great lesson Josh! One thing that works is to TAKE THE TIME to do what you covered here and have the bass and drums groove into a given beat/bassline without the rest of the parts just to get it tight. Then add the rest. It helps the others to hear that process too, but that rhythm section would do well to just practice together without the others at times. Makes a big difference.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks John, great suggestion.

[@bigvito4630]

I always was amazed to be with a drummer that doesn't know Zepp. Then I play dazed and confused, blues. I can't believe how many times they play cymbals so close. Try it! It amazes me. I'm already amazed someone don't know how to play Zep 😂

[@paulsharkey7876]

Thanks for making this video I always had this problem in bands

[@allenmarsden2594]

Thanks Josh I used to play in the 70s and early 80s but haven't held a bass until recently it's almost like starting over. Almost😁 you're video actually helped to get things rolling again

[@BassBuzz]

Welcome back to the bass Allen!

[@DJ2109]

underrated video. deserves 8 million views

[@robertreynolds2618]

I am a drummer who recently started playing bass, and playing the bass with the drummer kind of comes naturally for me. I try to hit my bass notes a long with what I would play the bass drum. I have already had people in the band that I play with, that they like what I am doing because of that fact.

[@house_owl5602]

Dude this is perfect my stepdad bought me a bass and he's a drummer first time we tried to jam it was horrible this helps a lot

[@BassBuzz]

Nice! Bass and drums jams are tricky, it can get a little boring without a melody instrument in the mix until you find the right angle. Playing along with songs together isn't a bad starting point!

[@agustinquindimil6594]

Im a guitarrist i fully respect you guys

[@aarondavis4341]

Not always for beginners here, even us old players come back to sharpen our skill, lol good video Josh! I use the hihat more to tell me the tempo of what I'm playing, then base my line off the kick and snare, or sometimes to higher Tom's , I try to emulate what the drummer is dóing, í play drums on the bass would be the easiest way to explain it, lol🤘

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Aaron! Yeah, lots of ways to approach syncing with a drum beat, for sure.

[@PeterRoscoe]

Starting a note with the kick is not the only way to coordinate with it. You can also END a note on the kick.

[@mervinleztervalido24]

I like that you're using a cheap bass in your vids. Im new at the bass and im learning a lot from your vids. Thank you man!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Mervin!

[@verdaylove]

sooooooooo grateful for u guys (or just josh idk) for providing more variety for different learning styles such a fresh way to teach thank uuuuu

[@BassBuzz]

You're very welcome Alexis!

[@meatfistcannon3939]

Your content is very informative and entertaining. I enjoy that your acounting for most things a bass player might trouble shoot. Good job. And thank you.

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@boxicool]

Your channel is amazing! I want more this kind of lesson! I will pay for it! I am self teaching and you explain everything so clear!

[@BassBuzz]

Thank you!

[@travisreed5965]

Yes!! This Is So Useful For Me. Watched A Few Times And Will Continue To Do So. In My Opinion , The Three Bass Riffs Allow That "symbol" To Breathe As Well As Land On The Kick Drum. Excellent Video!! Many Thanx Cheers

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Travis!

[@michaelzollinger4977]

LOVE this lesson! Easily understandable bites of information.

[@LokiAvivson]

1:16 WOW THATS AN EPIC DRUM KIT!

[@andrewperera4270]

Good video man it makes sense. Cheers,

[@Peachyrhythm]

Hey josh i been coming to ur channel when i feel stuck and u always leading me in the right direction thanks

[@shateq]

That drum demonstrations with songs seem sick too me, good job!

[@patrickmurphy9186]

Great, easy, and straightforward explanation. Thanks for the video and keeping it simple.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Patrick!

[@teodortsonev4442]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! That help me improve my bass skills!

[@willfleming4409]

Dude, love the forearm tattoo of Warhol's banana from the VU album! That was my very first tattoo way back in 1991. The biker artist in Baltimore who did it was, like, "You sure you wanna rotten banana on your leg, man?" I was sure--haven't once regretted it in almost 30 years. Very cool to see it on your arm! Thanks for a great video too!

[@BassBuzz]

Haha, my artist didn't ask questions. :)

[@deletednomas4095]

As a drummer, this helped me understand bassist

[@BassBuzz]

Glad it helped!

[@stahu_mishima]

0:40 yooo version 2 is soo funky tho! love it more

[@NoLifeKingRL]

Need to go to sleep... Clicks next video... Grabs bass back off stand...

[@Bigbandi]

Yes. You're back!

[@richardriley8906]

Cool video . New subscriber . Need to learn americana , outlaw country bass lines . Already acoustic player midlevel. Your a great instructor. Make it fun, which makes it easier ! 4 thumbs up .

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Richard!

[@ljgarrison6910]

You deserve alot more subs than you currently have, bloody good content!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks LJ!

[@gohjohan]

Not enough subs because not everyone wants to play bass. I'm keen to learn because my church needs a bass player after the social distance law is lifted. So yes, I'm using this downtime to learn and this video is very helpful because there is a drummer.

[@vicuna4036]

You are the best channel ever I learnd a lot from you!

[@BassBuzz]

Glad to hear it!

[@TheKottonheads]

Well done Man! Been needing this lesson for awhile now.... I'm In!!!

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Drummer Josh for the win!

[@BassBuzz]

Let me put my sunglasses on. That's the law around here, you got to wear your sunglasses. So you can feel cool. 😎

[@spacep0d]

Great lesson. Thanks!

[@jabbadahutt3866]

Bro nice flight of the conchords poster 👍 -2:40

[@lizmyers3650]

This is killer video - so easy to follow and learn! I'm married to a bass player....heh heh...now I get it!

[@g.pstudios1991]

I love the flight of the choncords posters, very dope

[@philboath8135]

Just another broke muso but I feel that i owe you man. Soon as I can I will Love your vids/lessons I'm a heaps better bass player. Thank you sincerely

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Phil! You don't owe me anything, just glad to help. :)

[@daniB5000]

Amazing lesson, man. Super simple to understand and follow. p.s. that School of Rock snippet was epic! :P

[@BassBuzz]

Cello, you've got a bass!

[@daniB5000]

@@BassBuzz The legend of the rent was way hardcore! 😋

[@dannaughton2599]

One drum pattern to add for new bass players - there is one guitar strumming pattern you hear all the time, especially with acoustic guitars. And this the drum pattern that fits, and it's like a trap to fall into, then all the songs sound the same. If you have been in a kiddie jam, this is the drum beat. Useful to know how to add bass lines to it: HH | x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x | S | ----o-------o-- | B | o-----o---o---o | 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + (I can't change the font to fixed width - so the spacing maybe screwed up)

[@BassBuzz]

Good one Dan. Otherwise known to acoustic guitar hobbyists as "da na nuh, na nuh nuh" 😝

[@bobt5778]

Another great video - thanks Josh! I see you are still giving that Squier Classic Vibe a workout!

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome Bob!

[@ederaleixo8314]

Impresive Lesson!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Francisco!

[@ChadHargis]

Depending on the song, sometimes it's best to let the bass drive the song through solid 8th or 16th notes and give the drummer some room to move. The song "Legs" by ZZ Top jumps to mind. Dusty keeps up the driving straight ahead 8th notes allow Frank and Billy to do their thing. Not a flashy bass line at all, but 100% functional. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4anlIeClrx9q9E

[@BassBuzz]

Totally Chad! Bands like ZZ Top and AC/DC often have the bass following the rhythm guitar more than the drumbeat in terms of rhythmic choices, I've noticed.

[@galilsiongco9804]

I hope your channel gets more subs, your lessons are very helpful

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Galil! Just crossed 25k subs, thanks to all the new folks enjoying these videos!

[@zacharylawrence5717]

Terrific class!

[@mikastu]

Love your channel! Love the videos! Love the Cake shirt!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Stuart! 😊

[@jg1503]

As a drummer I listen to the bass line and the song and form the drum part from that.

[@attempt58]

I liked the second one at the beginning. Of course it all depends on musical taste!

[@sk_lxr2920]

I did too! Is a good bass line, you just have to find a rhythm that fits it

[@BujorOvidiu]

This lesson was awesome. New subscriber.

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Bujor!

[@silverbackgaming9]

I had a drummer in one band who didn’t know the name of any musical anything and was always plastered, high or both at gigs

[@Gaius__]

He's with _Korn_ now

[@owlsonik37]

I liked the second one also! 😁

[@jamesgraham6796]

Thank you, Josh. You are speaking my language.

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome James!

[@edsphone6952]

great vids,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,turning my drum knowledge to potential bass parts.......thanks ...iplaypearldrums

[@stefaneduard8169]

I'd also love to know the patterns of the other musical genres😀

[@Digmen1]

Wow I love those graphics!

[@kylanicole2713]

Your videos are so helpful

[@BassBuzz]

Good to hear Kyla!

[@matthewrundle9241]

Such clear instructions!!!

[@BassBuzz]

Thanks Matthew!

[@aeroengr9490]

Try to hit some octave while playing the root note whenever the drummer hits the snare. That helped me well during my beginner years. Learning to put some basic stuff to your playin’ will elevate your musicality. Btw great vid!

[@kevinturvey8213]

excellent work

[@gooscooby5988]

Wow, this lesson is super helpful, thanks 👍

[@BassBuzz]

You're welcome! :)

[@zacharylawrence5717]

Outstanding!

[@jamesrusso2523]

Bad at this i picked # 2 ,thanks for the nice lesson.

[@rabrown22000]

I need to really work on how to move my (right hand) thumb as I'm shifting strings. Yeah, I'm really new at this lol

[@BassBuzz]

That's totally normal! I cover that in detail in my Beginner to Badass course FYI, you can check it out here - www.bassbuzz.com/lessons/beginner

[@bigpun4780]

serious question - I am a beginner on bass and playing with a drummer that is a way more skilled musician and we don't usually play together - the way he plays the kick seems to be slightly different each measure - always on beat and always sounds good just very hard for me to find a "pattern". Any advice for this situation?

[@praisebaseddonut2636]

I still have struggles playing my bass after three months, but sometimes I feel really lucky because I’m coming from a drums background of almost 10 years.